Hegra is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and AlUla’s centrepiece attraction. The Nabataean carved tombs here rival Petra in scale and craftsmanship — but receive a fraction of the visitors, which means genuine silence at the site. Access is by guided tour only: independent entry is not permitted. This page covers how to book, what to expect, and which tour format works for different itineraries.
What Hegra Actually Is
Hegra — known historically as Mada’in Salih — was the Nabataean civilization’s second city after Petra. Over 111 monumental tombs are carved directly into sandstone outcrops, dating from the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE. The largest, the Tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza, stands 22 metres high. Inscriptions remain legible above doorways. The carved facades are in extraordinary condition given their age — the dry desert climate has been kind.
The site sits 22km north of AlUla city centre. Tours depart from the AlUla Experience Centre by electric vehicle, which limits noise and emissions at the tombs. The circuit covers the main tomb clusters — Qasr al-Farid (the isolated single-outcrop tomb, the most photographed in all of AlUla), Jabal Al-Ahmar, Jabal Ithlib, and the Lihyanite rock art panels.
Allow a minimum of 3 hours at the site. Morning light (before 10am) hits the eastern facades best; a morning departure is worth requesting.
Tour Formats: Which One to Book
Half-Day Hegra Tour (3–4 hours)
The standard Hegra circuit visiting the principal tomb clusters and Qasr al-Farid. The right choice if you have a second day in AlUla for other sites — this covers Hegra thoroughly without fatigue.
Book the AlUla: Hegra Guided Tour — from approximately SAR 230–350 per person as of 2026. Licensed guide included. Transport from accommodation typically included — confirm at booking.
Hegra, Dadan and Ikmah Combined (6–7 hours)
After the Hegra circuit, the tour moves to Dadan (the Lihyanite capital predating Hegra by several centuries, with carved cliff tombs and the Lion Tomb staircase) and Jabal Ikmah (a canyon covered in thousands of ancient inscriptions in Dedanite, Lihyanite, Nabataean, and early Arabic scripts).
Book the AlUla Hegra, Dadan and Ikmah Highlights Tour — from approximately SAR 320–450 per person as of 2026. The strongest single-day tour in AlUla if you have archaeological interest beyond just Hegra.
Full-Day Wonders: Hegra, Dadan, Ikmah and Elephant Rock (9–10 hours)
The full circuit: Hegra in the morning, Dadan and Ikmah in the late morning, traditional lunch, and Elephant Rock at sunset. Designed for visitors with only one full day in AlUla who need to cover the maximum number of significant sites.
Book the AlUla Full-Day Wonders Tour — from approximately SAR 380–550 per person as of 2026.
Private Full-Day Tour
All main sites on a customised schedule. Typically Hegra in the morning (best light on eastern tombs), Dadan and Ikmah mid-morning, Old Town over lunch, Elephant Rock and the Oasis Farm in the afternoon. The private format allows extended time at any site. Worth it for photographers, small families, and anyone who finds group tour pacing difficult.
Book the Private AlUla Heritage Tour — from approximately SAR 900–1,400 per person for a couple as of 2026 (group rate decreases with size).
Booking Hegra Tickets: Practical Details
Book through GetYourGuide for free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead and real-time slot availability. The Experience AlUla app and experiencealula.com also sell tickets directly if you prefer the official Royal Commission channel.
Capacity at Hegra is strictly managed. The Royal Commission limits daily visitor numbers to protect the site. During Winter at Tantora (December–February) and Saudi public holidays, slots fill weeks in advance. October–November and March are shoulder months — one week advance booking is usually sufficient. April–September is low season and same-week booking is generally possible.
Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered at all heritage sites. Closed shoes recommended — the terrain around the tomb clusters is uneven rock and sand. A hat and sunscreen are essential even in the cooler months.
Getting to AlUla: AlUla Regional Airport (IATA: ULH) has direct flights from Riyadh (~1h20m) and Jeddah (~1h) on Saudia, flyadeal, and flynas. Most tour packages include hotel pickup, but if you’re driving independently, a rental car is available at the airport. Tours are non-negotiable — Hegra’s entry requires one.
Book AlUla Tours on GetYourGuide
All tours below include a licensed guide and access to Hegra’s restricted tomb clusters. Book in advance — Hegra capacity is strictly limited, especially October to March. Free cancellation available up to 24 hours ahead. Prices are approximate as of 2026.
| Tour | Duration | From | What’s included |
|---|---|---|---|
| AlUla: Hegra Guided Tour | ~3 hrs | ~$60/person | Licensed guide, electric vehicle to tomb clusters, Jabal Al Ahmar, Nabataean cisterns |
| AlUla: Hegra, Dadan & Ikmah Highlights | 6 hrs | ~$99/person | Hegra UNESCO tombs, ancient Dadan excavations, Jabal Ikmah inscription mountain |
| AlUla Full-Day Wonders: Hegra, Dadan, Ikmah & Elephant Rock | 12 hrs | ~$150/person | All major sites in one day — ideal for visitors with a single day in AlUla |
| Private AlUla Heritage Tour (group of 1–4) | Full day | ~$240/group | Private vehicle and guide, flexible itinerary, airport pickup optional |
Browse all AlUla tours on GetYourGuide for current availability and pricing.
See Also
- AlUla City Guide - accommodation, transport, and practical planning
- AlUla Activities - hot air balloons, stargazing, Elephant Rock, and more
- Best Tours in AlUla - how to choose between tour formats
- AlUla Heritage - ancient Dadan, Lihyan, and Nabataean kingdoms
- AlUla 3-Day Itinerary - structured day-by-day plan for the region
- Winter at Tantora - cultural festival running December through March